Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome! How can we help you?

Walk Information
Registration
Fundraising
Making a Donation
Log-In and Participant Centre Access



Walk Information:

What is the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause?
The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause is one of the BC SPCA's most important fundraising events, raising much-needed funds to help fight animal cruelty across B.C. The event consists of more than 30 walks in support of BC SPCA branches throughout the province. Pooch or no pooch, it’s fun for everyone.

Who can participate in the event?
Anyone can participate in and fundraise for animals. Kids, adults, families, school teams, corporate teams, friends and neighbours are all welcome to join the fight against animal cruelty. Register online today to get started!

Where is the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause? 
There are more than 30 walks across the province. Check Walk Locations for the event nearest you.

When is the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause? 
The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause takes place in September and October, depending on location. Please visit your local Walk Locations for date and details.

Why walk in the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause?
The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause is an important fundraiser that raises much needed funds and awareness to help the BC SPCA care for animals across B.C. You can make a difference in three easy steps: Register, Fundraise and Walk. Then come celebrate with other animal-lovers and enjoy a fun day filled with activities for everyone! Pooch or no pooch, you can still participate and help fight animal cruelty in communities across B.C!

Do I have to pay to walk?

Yes. Every walk has a registration fee and for some events a last-minute fee on event day. Until June 30, save 40% off your registration fee with our early bird discount code: EARLY . The earlier you register, the more you save! 

Registration fees contribute to the cost of producing the event, helping to ensure that every dollar you raise directly supports animals in your community. For information on your local walk fee, please visit your local walk page for details.

I can’t participate on the day of the walk in my community. Is there another way I can be involved?

There sure is! You can make a donation to your local branch, or to someone you know who is participating!

How long is the walk?
The length of the walk varies by location. All walks are between 2-5 kilometers long. Please visit your local walk page for more details.

What happens on walk day?
Each event includes a 2-5 kilometer walk and exciting activities for adults, kids and dogs! For local activity details please check your local walk page.

What if I don’t have a dog?
Dog or no dog, you can still participate! As well as joining fellow animal-lovers and dogs on the walk, there will be entertainment, community vendors, giveaways, and a host of other activities! There will also be plenty of BC SPCA staff to talk to if you are interested in adopting a dog or another pet!

What happens if it rains?
Rain, hail, or shine, the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause will take place. Just be sure to watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately (i.e rainboots or sunscreen!)

Can I buy BC SPCA merchandise on-site?
BC SPCA merchandise is available right now in our online store! Visit spca.bc.ca/shop and stock up on gear to wear at the event and show your support for the animals. Some walk locations will also have BC SPCA merchandise available for purchase on walk day, but quantities will be limited. Buy your gear before the walk and wear it to the event!

Can my company become a sponsor of The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause?
Absolutely! We encourage corporate organizations to get involved with the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause - whether through sponsorship, team participation or fundraising. We would love to hear from you! Contact Meredith Beitl for more details: mbeitl@spca.bc.ca.

Can I volunteer to help?
Yes please! Check out our volunteer page to find out more about volunteering opportunities.



Registration:

How do I register online?
Online registration is easy! Just choose your walk location and click the register button. Follow the prompts to proceed with online registration or download a Registration Form on the walk page. You can drop off paper registration forms at your local branch.

How long does it take for my online registration to be processed?
You should receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours.

What should I do if I registered or made a donation and haven't received anything by e-mail?
It can take up to 24 hours to receive a confirmation email so hold tight, the email is coming! If you still don’t receive confirmation remember to check your ‘junk’ folder just in case and then contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca or phone us at toll-free 1.800.665.1868. We will be happy to check the status for you.

Is there a registration cut off?
Online registration will close two days before the event date in your community. Didn't register in time? Not to fear! You can still register on event day at the registration tent.

What does my registration fee provide me?

Besides a great day with your friends and family?! Registration gives you entry to the event, an amazing support team to help you fundraise and a souvenir t-shirt*! 

*Please note that we cannot guarantee a t-shirt for those who register after August 15. 

How can I change the event location that I registered for?
If you wish to change event location, please contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca or phone us toll-free at 1.800.665.1868.

How do I join or start a team once I have already registered as an individual

Contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca and we will help create your dream team!

Is my registration fee tax deductible?

No. Your registration fee is used to help cover cost of services provided at the walk event. Under Canadian Revenue Agency Guidelines, this fee is not eligible for a tax receipt.



Fundraising:

How and where are my fundraising dollars spent?

Donations to the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause event will fund our animal welfare programs and services including: emergency rescue and care, health checks and medical treatment, cruelty investigation, advocacy, humane education, and of course, shelter and adoption services for homeless animals.

The funds you raise will stay in your community and support your local BC SPCA branch and animals. For more information on how your dollars will help, please visit saving lives.

To learn more about our governance structure or to view our audited financial statements, please visit our main website here.

I want to raise funds for the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause but am unable to attend the actual event. Can I still fundraise?

Yes, absolutely! Please contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca for your discounted code and register online to set up your personal fundraising page.

How long will it take for an online pledge to be reflected on my "Amount Raised Online" total?
Changes on your "Amount Raised Online" total should be updated within 24 hours.

How will my donors receive their tax receipt?
All donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt. If you make a donation online you will automatically receive a tax receipt. For donations made offline tax receipts will be mailed directly to donors. Processing time varies based upon date. Please be sure to provide all contact details when submitting your donation.

Can I receive a tax receipt for the donations I collect?
No. Based on CRA guidelines, we are only able to issue tax receipts to donors. Your supporters will receive a tax receipt for their donations, and you will receive a tax receipt for your personal donations.

How do I change the fundraising goal that I have set?
Log in to your participant centre, choose your event, and click on the change link under your goal. Your updated goal should be reflected on your page immediately.

Is there a paper copy of the donation form? How can I obtain a copy for collecting donations?

You can download a donation form (also known as the ‘pledge form’) here. Or for greater ease, register online and easily fundraise with our online fundraising tools. Paper copy donation forms are also available at your local BC SPCA branch. If you would like to submit funds collected offline before the event, please refer to How do I submit offline donations? below.

When do I need to submit my funds by?
By submitting your funds as soon as possible your dollars can go to work immediately helping animals in your community. The final date to submit donations for prize eligibility varies based on location. Please contact your local branch for more details.

How do I submit offline donations?

You can download a printable PDF donation/pledge form to collect offline donations. Once you have collected your donations, please mail it to the address in the form or drop off at your local BC SPCA branch.

Please note that we encourage you to collect donations online. Online donations are processed immediately and appear on your fundraising page within minutes of the donation being made, whereas offline donations may take up to one month to be processed and uploaded to your online fundraising page and for your donors to receive their tax receipt.

It is highly recommended that donations are made online as it gets close to event date for a donation to appear on a participant's fundraising page and for donors to receive a tax receipt automatically.

 

 

Making a Donation:

How do I make a donation?

Select the Donate button and then enter the name of the person you would like to donate to. Choose their name from the list and click the donate button on their page.

Want to make an offline donation? Simply click and print the offline donation form on the page of the participant that you wish to support. Search for a participant or team here. The form can then be dropped off at your branch or mailed to the address on the form. You can also call our Generosity Services team toll free at 1.800.665.1868 to make donations by phone.

How will my donation dollars be spent?

Donations to the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause event will fund our animal welfare programs and services including: emergency rescue and care, health checks and medical treatment, cruelty investigation, advocacy, humane education, and of course, shelter and adoption services for homeless animals.

The funds you raise will stay in your community and support your local BC SPCA branch and animals. For more information on how your dollars will help, please visit saving lives. To learn more about our governance structure or to view our audited financial statements, please visit our main website here.

How do I receive a tax receipt?
All donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt. If you make a donation online you will automatically receive a tax receipt. For donations made offline tax receipts will be mailed directly to you after the last event in October. Processing time varies based upon date. Please be sure to provide all contact details when submitting your donation.



Log-In and Participant Centre Access:

What is a participant centre?

Your participant centre is your fundraising headquarters online. It is a very useful tool to help you maximize your fundraising efforts. We provide you with a template for your online profile, but encourage you to personalize it and share why you are fundraising for the animals. Research shows that those who personalize their online profiles raise 22% more than those who do not!

How do I access my participant centre?
Follow the instructions to log in. Once you are logged in you can click the Participant Centre link at the top right of your page to access the centre at any time.

What should I do if I've forgotten my login ID and/or password?

If you don't remember the User Name/and or Password that you registered with, please click the log in link and choose Forgot User Name? or Forgot Password?

Why should I bother uploading a picture or video?

Did you know that by adding a photo or video to your fundraising page you can increase your donations by 22%?! Studies show that donors are willing to give and pledge more to fundraisers that share a personal story.

How do I upload a picture or video to my personal page?
Once in your participant centre, click the PERSONAL PAGE tab. Click the Photos/Video link on the right to upload.

How do I find the email templates in my participant centre?

Once in your participant centre, click the black EMAIL tab. Click 'Use a Template' (below the Subject line) and choose from the options available. You will be able to make changes to the template before sending. Inspire people to join you in the fight to end animal cruelty. Your donors will love to hear the personal reasons why you are choosing to fundraise for animals. 

Couldn't find the information you wanted? Please e-mail paws@spca.bc.ca or phone us at toll-free 1.800.665.1868.

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